China Expands Engagement in Kenyan Ports

 The China Global South Project published on 17 April 2025 an article titled "China Eyes Strategic Role in Kenya's Port Privatization Plans" by Christain Geraud Neema Byamungu.

China is positioning itself for a larger role in Kenya's port infrastructure.  The China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) has recently been awarded the contract to construct Berth 198 at the Port of Mombasa.  CCCC previously provided maritime infrastructure at the port of Lamu.  

Africa's Rising Cities

 The Washington Post published on 19 November 2021 a major piece titled "Africa's Rising Cities: How Africa Will Become the Center of the World's Urban Future" by Max Bearak, Dylan Moriarty, and Julia Ledur. 

By the end of this century, Africa will be the only continent experiencing population growth and 13 of the world's 20 biggest urban areas will be in Africa.  Using numerous graphics and pictures, this piece takes a detailed look at the future of Lagos, Nigeria; Khartoum, Sudan; Kinshasa, DRC; Mombasa, Kenya; and Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.    

Mombasa: A City of Fragile Potential

The Brenthurst Foundation published in 2017 a study titled "Mombasa: A City of Fragile Potential" by Wanjiku Mungai and Saul Musker, both fellows at the Brenthurst Foundation.

The authors conclude that Mombasa faces a range of imposing challenges such as an infrastructure system that is insufficient to meet the demands of a growing population, an unskilled and uneducated workforce and high levels of youth unemployment, the threat of local extremist groups, drug-related violence, and ever-present social tension. While Mombasa's challenges are profound, they are not insurmountable and the city has the potential to drive Kenya's economic growth.

Africa's Most Strategic Ports

Business Tech published on 8 March 2015 an article titled "Africa's Biggest Shipping Ports."  More than 90 percent of Africa's imports and exports move by sea freight.  The following 7 ports stand out as the most strategic: Durban, Mombasa, Djibouti, Lagos, Abidjan, Suez Canal, and Tangier. 

Kenya's Muslims--In the Eye of the Storm

The Washington-based Institute for Defense Analysis Africa Watch published on 3 April 2014 a brief analysis titled "Kenya's Muslims--In the Eye of the Storm" by George F. Ward.  He argued that Kenya's announced policy restricting Somali refugees to Camps is both unworkable and a potential fuel for inter-ethnic and inter-religious violence.  He also commented on the recent killing in Mombasa of the leader of the Musa Mosque. 

Movement on Kenya Coast to Secede

The Good Governance Africa website recently ran a piece on grievances along the coast of Kenya that have resulted in a movement to secede. Led by the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), the grievances revolve around economic marginalization of the people who live permanently on the coast.

Click here to read the article.